“Wolfie, you remember Gabriel,” she said.
Gabriel rose, shouldered the bag. “Wolf.” The two shook hands. “I was just taking off.”
“Where you headed?” Wolf asked.
“Italy. I have company problems.” He draped his coat over his arm before eying Halston. “Can you walk me out?”
At the doorway, he pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry to take off so quickly. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
One quick kiss and he exited the suite.
The Bratva were taking advantage of his absence. This would never have happened if he’d been there.
As he waited for the elevator, he raked his hand through his hair.
I will not lose what I’ve built from nothing, especially not to them.
HALSTON
“I don’t think hookingup with him is smart,” Wolfie said as Halston returned to the living room.
“Do you want coffee?” she asked.
“You’re doing that thing you do,” her brother said.
“Which his?”
“Ignoring me.”
“I’m not talking about Gabriel.”
“He’s got a wicked reputation. I don’t want you going all soft and letting him break your heart. I’m just looking out for you.”
“Thank you, Wolfie, but it’s all good.” She returned to the kitchen, poured herself more coffee, then rejoined him.
Her brother unzipped his backpack. “Sorry I’m early. I’m flying to London.”
“Work or pleasure?” Halston asked.
“Workispleasure,” he replied.
“I envy that,” she said. “Work has becomemorestressful since I’ve gotten back.”
“Because of Santini?”
Frustration had her crossing her arms. “You need to hear this.” After a beat, she continued. “I had to go out with a Russian creep?—”
“I don’t like where this is headed.”
“It gets worse. He drugged me, took me to a private BDSM club. I would have gotten raped—maybe even killed—if Gabriel hadn’t shown up. He took out everyone who tried to stop him, including the monster who drugged me.” She crossed her arms. “Even if Gabriel does break my heart, I will be grateful to him for saving my life.”
Fear shone in Wolf’s eyes. “Halston, this is serious.”
“Yeah, so maybe you can put aside his reputation and get to know him. You two are a lot alike. Revenge is his middle name.”
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m good.”